23 August 2012Last updated at 19:22

In pictures: Marikana memorial service

Memorial service at the Lonmin mine. 23 Aug 2012

Thousands of South Africans have attended a memorial service at the Marikana platinum mine, where 34 striking workers were shot dead by police during a protest over pay a week ago.

There were emotional scenes as grieving relatives gathered for the service.

Relative is assisted during a memorial service for miners killed during clashes at Lonmin's Marikana platinum mine. 23 Aug 2012

Social workers in the crowd were asked to attend to the bereaved who were in need of support.

Relative collapses ahead of memorial services in South Africa. 23 Aug 2012

Some relatives collapsed as the event proved too much.

Mourner attends memorial service at Lonmin platinum mine near Rustenburg, South Africa. 23 Aug 2012

Mourners sang hymns in Xhosa and Zulu in huge tents erected near the scene of the massacre.

Mourner attends memorial service at Lonmin platinum mine near Rustenburg, South Africa

Church leaders from a range of denominations and politicians joined the thousands of mourners

Mine workers attend a memorial service at the Lonmin platinum mine near Rustenburg, South Africa. 23 Aug 2012

Outside, hundreds of mine workers listened to the service from a hill dubbed the "Hill of Horror" where the shooting took place.

Members of a local church mourn on a hill near a site where miners were killed. 23 Aug 2012

With the tents full, these church members sat on the dusty ground nearby to listen to the prayers and tributes.

Religious leaders attend a memorial service at Lonmin's Marikana mine. 23 Aug 2012

Religious leaders led prayers and urged people not to seek revenge for what had happened.

As mourners gathered, South African President Jacob Zuma revealed details of the commission that will investigate the killings. He said the inquiry should be complete within four months.

Africa

In pictures: Marikana memorial service

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